Telescoping column structure



April 30, 1963 E. c. KIMBALL 3,087,626

TELEscoPING COLUMN STRUCTURE me@ oct. 2s, 1960 VTV/1111111111111 INVENTOR. EUGENE CJ/gMBAUL BY MM5.

ATTORNEYS United States @Patent 3,087,626 TELESCOPING COLUMN STRUCTURE Eugene C. Kimball, 7891 E. Telephone Road, Ventura, Calif. Filed Get. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 65,726 3 Claims. (Cl. 212 34) This invention relates generally to supporting structures and more particularly to an improved telescoping column structure for eleva-ting and positioning relatively heavy loads.

lnmy United States Patent No. 2,926,480v for Pruning Device, there is disclosed 1a tree trimming apparatus capable of being vertically elevated and .then swung laterally through an arc of ninety degrees to an operating position. To effect the fore-noted elevating and positioning of the trimming structure requires a vertical track for suitable rollers cooperating with a hydraulic piston `and cylinder arrangement. The present invention is directed towards an improved telescoping column structure which Vmay be substituted for the apparatus disclosed in the `above noted patent for elevating and positioning the trimming structure.

While applicants preferred embodiment is designed with the foregoing application in mind, it should be understood that the telescoping column structure of .this invention may be employed in lany environment in which relatively heavy loads are to be elevated and then positioned laterally and wherein the loads themselves are generally cantilevered from the upper portion of the supporting column.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved telescoping column structure for elevating and rotationally positioning laterally extending loads secured to the top of the column structure.

More particularly, it is an vobject to provide an improved telescoping column structure of extremely rugged construction so that relatively heavy loads may be readily elevated and positioned with minimum possibilities of structural failure 4in the column itself.

Still another object of lthis invention is to provide an improved telescoping column structure in which 4friction is minimized during telescoping and rotational positioning to the end that eiicient and reliable operation is insured.

Briefly, these and many other objects and Yadvantages of this invention are attained by providing iirst and second columns in telescoping relationship with each other. A first roller :means is mounted at one end of the first column for rolling engagement with an intermediate portion of the second column. Similarly, a second roller means is mounted to one end of the ysecond column for rolling engagement with `an intermediate portion of the rst column. With this arrangement, the two columns are held in coaxial alignment .throughout their telescoping movement. Moreover, the movement itself can take place with a minimum of friction.

Also included is an independently mounted stabilizing structure having a collar portion :arranged to surround one of the telescoping columns. This collar structure is of a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the telescoping column and includes both `Vertical guide rollers for guiding vertical movement and rotational guide rollers for stabilizing rotational columns so that independent support intermediate the ends of the entire telescoping column structure is provided. This intermediate stabilizing `means is important when large cantilevered loads are secured to the upper end ofthe column.

A better understanding of the invention together with further features and advantages thereof will be had by now referring to the preferred embodiment thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FlGURE l is a side elevational view partly cut away and partly in cross section illustrating the basic components of the telescoping column struc-ture in an inte-r- -mediate raised position;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows 2 2 of FIGURE fl;

FGURE 3 is another cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows 3 3 of FIGURE l;

FGURE 4 is a fragmentary cross section .taken in the direction of the arrows 4 4 of FIGURE 3; and,

FIGURE 5 is -a cross section taken in the direction of the arrows 5 5 of FGURE l.

Referring to FIGURE l, there is shown in the lower portion of the drawing a base 10 which may constitute a supporting surface on a moving vehicle or simply a stationary ground structure. Mounted on the base 10 is a first vor inner support column 11 provided on its lower portion with a square cross section sleeve 12 rigidly secured to the column 11. Thrust beming means 13 in turn are positioned between the lower end of the column 11 and the base 1) to permit rotation of the column 11 about its longitudinal vertical axis.

The upper end of the column 11 terminates in a platform sturcture 14 supporting a plurality of first or inner rollers 15. As shown best in the cross section of FIG- URE 2, each of the rollers '15 is supported by angle irons 16 rigidly secured to the platform `14.

A second or outer column y17 is arranged to telescope over the inner column `11. The upper end of outer column 17 serves to support a suitable structure V18 to which any load may be secured. The lower end of the outer column 17 terminates in an annular flanged platform structure 19 supporting a second o-r outer set of rollers 20 as by a suitable angle iron 21.

The arrangement is such that the tirst or inner rollers 15- mounted to the top of the inner column 11 will bea-r against the inside walls of the outer column 17 in rolling engagement therewith upon vertical telescoping movement of the column 17 with respect to the inner column 11. Simultaneously, the second or outer rollers 20 at the lower portion of the outer column 17 will bear against the square cross sectioned surfaces of the cross sectional portion 12 of the inner column in rolling engagement during vertical telescoping movement of the outer column 17. The columns 11 and 17 are thus stabilized and maintained in co-axial alignment by the irst and second sets of rollers.

To provide further stabilization, there is provided an independently supported stabilizing structure for encircling the outer column 17 intermediate its ends. As shown, this structure includes a support plate 22 from which ydepends an annular collar 23 rigidly secured to the plate 22. The collar 23 includes upper and lower annular flanges 24 and 25 defining a single circular track with the inner annular surface of the collar 23. Also included are upper and lower rings 26 and 27 disposed in vertically spaced relationship and surrounding the column 17 adjacent to the respective annular track flanges 24 and 25. The rings 26 and 27 serve to support vertical guide rollers 28 as by suitable angle irons 29 secured between the upper and lower rings 26 and 27.

The various rollers 28 serve as vertical guide rollers for stabilizing vertical telescoping movement yof the column 17. The collar 23 and support plate 22 are rigidly secured to an a-.rm 30 connecting to the base of the independently supported stabilizing structure.

With particular reference to FIGURE 3, it will be noted that the 4upper and lower rings 26 and 27 also serve to `support rotational `guide rollers 31 as at 32.

o These rollers are arranged to be received between the flanges 24 and 25 to bear against the inner periphery of the collar 23 and thus roll about the collar when the column 17 is rotated. The upper and lower rings 24 and 25 together with the rollers 2S also rotate with the column 17.

The manner in which the rotational guide rollers 31 are supported between the rings 26 and 27 to ride between the track flanges 24 and 25 on the inner surface of the column 23 will be evident from FIGURE 4. The track flanges 24 yand 25 will prevent the rings and rollers from falling through the lower end of the collar.

Since the collar 23 is independently fixed in a stationary position, it will be seen that the foregoing described structure will provide stabilization to the entire column structure during both vertical and rotational movements.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, to effect vertical movement of the outer column 17 with respect to the inner column 11, there is provided a power means including an elongated cylinder 33 secured within the interior of the inner column 11 and including a piston head 34 with associated piston rod 35 passing out the upper end of the cylinder to connect to the under side of top structure for the column 17 as at 36. From the lower end of the cylinder 33, there is provided a hydraulic conduit 37 passing downwardly and out the bottom of the inner column 11 to a suitable source of hydraulic iiuid under pressure (not shown). When raising of the column 17 is to take place, suitable hydraulic uid is passed through the conduit 37 to the cylinder 33 to apply pressure against the bottom. of the piston head 34 and thus raise the outer column. When it is desired to lower the outer column 17, the hydraulic fluid pressure is released by any suitable relief valve (not shown) and the weight of the structure 18 and associate load will result in the outer column 17 telescoping over the inner column 11 toV its lowermost position.

The manner in which hydraulic liuid -is applied to the cylinder and released from the cylinder forms no part of the present invention. Since such means are well known in the art, details thereof are not shown or described herein.

In order to effect a rotational movement of the entire telescoping column structure, a member 3S laterally extending from the inner column 11 is pivoted to a lever arm 39 as at 40, the arm 39 in turn connecting to a suitable piston rod receivable within a hydraulic cylinder 41. With particular reference to FIGURE 5, it will lbe noted that movement of the piston 39 out lfrom the cylinder 41 will result in rotation of the inner column at least ninety degrees so that any load secured to the top of the column 17 may be swung through an 'arc of ninety degrees. This motion which is transmitted only to the inner column 11 and square cross section portion 12 is transmitted to the outer column 17 through the engagement of the rollers 20 with the square cross section surfaces. It wil-l be evident that thi-s motion will be transmitted regardless of the telescoping position of the members 17 and 11, the system being designed such that the maximum extent of travel of the outer column 17 will be less than that which would cause the roller-s 2li to leave the cross section portions 17 of the inner column 11.

The operation of the improved telescoping column structure will be evident from the foregoing description. Any particular vload may be elevated by -simply forcing hydraulic fluid under pressure through the conduit 37 to the cylinder 33 within the inner column 11. The increased hydraulic pressure will then raise the piston head 34 and rod 35 to telescope the outer column 17 upwardly from the inner column 11. The rollers will ride along the inner walls of the outer column 17 to stabilize rnovement thereof; simultaneously, the rollers Ztl will -ride along the surfaces of the square cross section portions 12 of the inner column 11.

When a desired height is reached, the flow of hydraulic fluid is stopped. The load cantilevered from the end of the structure 1'8 may then be rotationally positioned by operating the hydraulic cylinder 41 shown in FIGURES 1 and 5 to swing the entire inner column structure 11 and 12 about the thrust bearing 13. As mentioned heretofore, this action is transmitted to the outer column 17 through the square cross section and rollers 20.

Proper stabilization for relatively heavy cantilevered loads is borne in large part by the collar structure 23 and associated rollers 28 and 31 described in connection with FIGURE 3.

The entire assembly is of relatively Irugged and simple construction so that long life is insured and minimum structural failures will occur.

While only one embodiment of the invention has bee set forth, various changes that fall clearly within the scope and principles of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art. The improved telescoping column structure is therefore not to be thought of as limited to the specific embodiment set forth for illustrative purposes.

What is claimed is:

1. A telescoping column structure for elevating and positioning heavy loads comprising, in combination: a stationary base; an inner column having an outer surface of square cross section along its lower portion; thrust bearing means between the lower end of said inner column and said base for mounting said inner column for rotation about its axis; inner rollers mounted to the upper end of said inner column; an outer column telescoped over said inner column, said outer column terminating at its upper end in supporting structure; outer rollers mounted to the lower end of said outer column, said inner rollers engaging intermediate inside wall portions of said outer column and said outer rollers engaging the outside surfaces of said square cross-section portion of said inner column; power means for telescoping said outer column over said inner column; and rotating means for rotating said inner column on said thrust `bearing means whereby telescoping movement of said outer column over said inner column is guided by said inner and outer rollers and rotational movement of said inner column is transmitted to said outer column through said outer rollers bearing against the outer surfaces of said square cross-sectional portion of said inner column.

2. A telescoping column structure according to claim l, in which said power means includes: an elongated hydraulic cylinder vertically mounted to the interior of said inner column; a piston rod extending from the upper end of said cylinder and connecting at its lower end to a piston head within said cylinder and secured at its upper end to the under side of said supporting structure at the upper end of said outer column; and a hydraulic conduit passing from the lower end of said cylinder out the lower end of said inner column for passing hydraulic iiuid to said cylinder to raise said piston.

3. A telescoping column structure according to claim l, including: an independently supported stabilizing structure having a collar of larger diameter than said outer column surrounding said outer column, said collar hav- 1ng upper and lower annular track flanges projecting radially inwardly for a given distance; and upper and lower ring members surrounding said outer column and positioned concentrically within said collar in vertically spaced relationship adjacent to said upper and lower annular flanges; vertical guide rollers mounted between said upper and lower rings in positions bearing against the outer walls of said outer column for rolling engagement therewith during vertical telescoping movement of said outer column; and rotational guide rollers mounted between said upper and lower rings in positions bearing against the inside annular surface of said collar between said upper and lower annular track flanges for rolling engagement with said collar and track flanges during rotational movement of said outer column within said collar whereby said columns are stabilized in their ver- 5 6 tical positions by said vertical and rotational guide 2,638,316 Mullinix May 12, 1953 rollers. 2,661,816 Hulsart Dec. 8, 1953 2,702,606 Young Feb. 22, 1955 References Cited in the le of this patent 2,774,483 Raymond Dec. 18, 1956 UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 2,974,809 SeHaIS 'et a1 Mar. 14, 1961 461,874 Potter et al. Oct. `27, 1891 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,446,488 Pierce Aug. 3, 1948 499,000 Great Britain Ian. 17, 1939 

1. A TELESCOPING COLUMN STRUCTURE FOR ELEVATING AND POSITIONING HEAVY LOADS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A STATIONARY BASE; AN INNER COLUMN HAVING AN OUTER SURFACE OF SQUARE CROSS SECTION ALONG ITS LOWER PORTION; THRUST BEARING MEANS BETWEEN THE LOWER END OF SAID INNER COLUMN AND SAID BASE FOR MOUNTING SAID INNER COLUMN FOR ROTATION ABOUT ITS AXIS; INNER ROLLERS MOUNTED TO THE UPPER END OF SAID INNER COLUMN; AN OUTER COLUMN TELESCOPED OVER SAID INNER COLUMN, SAID OUTER COLUMN TERMINATING AT ITS UPPER END IN SUPPORTING STRUCTURE; OUTER ROLLERS MOUNTED TO THE LOWER END OF SAID OUTER COLUMN, SAID INNER ROLLERS ENGAGING INTERMEDIATE INSIDE WALL PORTIONS OF SAID OUTER COLUMN AND SAID OUTER ROLLERS ENGAGING THE OUTSIDE SURFACES OF SAID SQUARE CROSS-SECTION PORTION OF SAID INNER COLUMN; POWER MEANS FOR TELESCOPING SAID OUTER COLUMN OVER SAID INNER COLUMN; AND ROTATING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID INNER COLUMN ON SAID THRUST BEARING MEANS WHEREBY TELESCOPING MOVEMENT OF SAID OUTER COLUMN OVER SAID INNER COLUMN IS GUIDED BY SAID INNER AND OUTER ROLLERS AND ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SAID INNER COLUMN IS TRANSMITTED TO SAID OUTER COLUMN THROUGH SAID 